Talbot Forest Trail

Talbot forest boasts large, centuries old mataï, kaikahikatea and tötara, as walkers are transported to another world accompanied by native bird species including Kereru (native wood pigeons), pīwakawaka (fantails) and Miromiro (tomtits). A natural gem, Talbot Forest and its network of short walks can be accessed from Hislop, Totara, Davies, Tripp or Bridge Streets.

Unlike the gently meandering loops around the town centre, the Talbot Forest Trail plunges visitors into a pristine native forest. Though well-formed and comfortable to walk, the Talbot Forest Trail is not wheelchair/stroller accessible, and the walk gains some elevation. This loop follows existing trails through Talbot Forest, though these will be improved. 

Mere steps into Talbot Forest, visitors feel as though they have entered true wilderness, where the endangered Pekapeka (native long-tailed bat) can be seen hunting for insects around dusk, and Kereru coo gently from their roosts on-high all day long, while pīwakawaka flit around walkers on the trail.  The forest is a wonderfully cool respite on a hot summer’s day.

Geraldine is very lucky to have such a stunning native forest directly adjacent the town centre, and by including it in the sculpture trail, more visitors will be encouraged to experience this gem.